Anatomical Pathology Technician/Trainee

Job overview

The Cellular Pathology Department provides Histology, Neuropathology, Diagnostic Cytology, Research and Mortuary Services. We have an exciting opportunity in support of our autopsy service expansion for which a full-time qualified Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT) are required to support our service expansion.

We provide a regional centralised autopsy service including CT scanning alongside end of life and post mortem care. As a specialist centre we conduct forensic, perinatal and neuropathology post mortem, and receive multiple coroner jurisdiction referrals.  We work closely with the chaplaincy and bereavement teams in supporting families and facilitate viewings.

NUTH occupies two mortuary sites at Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospitals. Applicants will be working alongside the APT team, and should meet the essential criteria of the role.

We have out of hours for CT scanning and on-call rotas to support the growing service delivery. Previous NHS Mortuary experience is essential, and we will consider trainee applicants, and have a good experience of training and developing our staff.

• Interview Date Wednesday 30 July 2025
• 37 Hours 30 Minutes/Week
• You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy.  Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Main duties of the job

Knowledge of how a mortuary operates and previous experience is desirable for trainee applicants, although full training will be provided the successful applicant will train in practical skills and complete the required diploma.

Any trainee post will be at Band 5 Annex 21, 1st year 70% Top of Band 5/ 2nd  year 75% Top of Band 5, leading to Band 5 qualified position, with expected completion within two years of appointment.

• Apply their in depth technical knowledge of pathological dissection techniques including advanced autopsy reconstruction and infection control measures.
• To have knowledge and experience of advanced autopsy, forensic and infection control procedures.
• To have previous experience of working in a mortuary and autopsy theatre.
• To have experience of dealing with bereaved relatives.
• To have ability to communicate at all levels and apply empathy/counselling skills appropriately.
• To contribute to some unsociable hours and on call rota as required.
• If not already qualified, apply as Annex 21 trainee to complete the diploma qualification as per job description.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To participate as part of a team in providing a mortuary and autopsy service to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NuTH), North regional NHS Hospitals, Medical Staff, Police, and HM Coroners together with Funeral Directors and other legitimate users of the service.
• To assist the Senior APTs in co-ordinating and supervising the mortuary staff in providing a quality service.

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.